The Game Accelerator Experience: Building Business and Games

In

The Game Accelerator Experience – Making the Most of It

Andrew WalkerCreative Mobile GameDev Day 2014

Quick Background on Me

• 1993 – Joined game studio startup • Microsoft – DirectX, Xbox and Xbox Live

launch team member• THQ Publishing – Business Development• Left in 2010 – did the startup thing again• Jan 2014 – Joined GameFounders as Partner

GF Facts and FiguresГеография

400+ applications67 countries

4th Program Underway28 Total Teams in Portfolio

Studios operating 100%Making revenue 67% (14/21)

No of people involved 81 (3.9 per studio)

Studios with original IP launched 62% (13/21)

Studios with publisher/ investor 29% (6/21)

Why go to an accelerator?

• Mentoring• Connections• Investment• Holiday in Estonia• Build a scalable creative business!

What’s The First Thing To Do When You Enter An Business Accelerator?

Define SuccessSet Your Goals!

Ideal Team Size?

vs.

Mentoring

Drink from the Fire Hose!

Be Ready to Pivot

Making the Most of It

• Finish your game• Listen, Research and Analyze with Mentors• Learn new business models• Decide - publishing or self-publishing• Connect with Investors

What’s Next?

Time + Hard Work

Summary

• Preparation is key – know what you want• Research your mentors• It’s a great option if –– You want to build a scalable business– Listen and accept constructive criticism– You are in it for the long haul

• Be ready to pivot• The more you put in – the more you will get out

Thank You!